Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, CON has inaugurated an 11- man National Advisory Committee on Habitat with the Permanent Secretary, Works and Housing Bashir Nura Alkali as the Chairman.
Fashola performed the inauguration at the 2022 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day held in Abuja.
The theme of the 2022 World Habitat Day is“ Mind the Gap, Leave No One and Place Behind” and that of the World Cities Day” Act Local To go Global”
In his keynote address, the Minister also said, the report of the negative impact of the flood on roads, bridges and infrastructures nationwide was being compiled by his ministry.
“I will be receiving the reports from all the Federal Controllers of Works across Nigeria whom we have asked to go round and assess the impact of the flood on the damaged bridges, roads and infrastructures and put a cost to it, so that we can respond to people in distress and crisis” he said .
In the same vein Fashola said that the striking similarity between the theme of this year’s World Habitat Day “Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind,” and that of the
recently held 11th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, which had the theme “Housing our People, by All of Government and All Our People, tells us Nigeria is already in line with the habitat objective.
Accordingly, he explained that the initiatives of the Federal Government in housing affordability and acceptability and the impact of the construction industry on the people in employment generation.
Explaining further he said that, the federal government is undertaking the construction of national housing programme in 35 states including FCT, and called for the collaboration of all stakeholders since housing provision is essentially a collaborative effort by all levels of government and the private sector.
On the situation of Cities globally, the Minister stated that cities account for 75 per cent of the world’s energy consumption and are responsible for over 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transport, buildings, energy, while waste management forms the bulk of urban carbon emissions.
He explained that” The future of our planet depends on national, regional and local governments and organisations, communities, academic institutions and the private sector working together to create sustainable, carbon-neutral, inclusive cities and towns”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Works and Housing who was represented at the event by Director Highways Development Engr Ibi Terna said “as the world builds and consolidates the foundation of the New Urban Agenda, urgent steps are required to rectify past imperfections by recognising fully that development is an evolutionary assignment that cannot be entirely resolved by one agency acting alone”.
“The theme of the 2022 World Habitat Day as stated earlier is intended to draw attention to growing inequalities and vulnerabilities that have been exacerbated by the triple “C” crises namely: Covid 19, Climate Change and Conflict. Tackling urban congestion and inequality have become an urgent global priority and Nigeria is not less concerned” he said.
The statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres read by Mr. M. Okunola said “this year world habit day focused on human living condition and we must pledge to share responsibility to one another so that no one would be left behind”
In her remarks, the Executive Director, The United Nations Human Settlement Programme, Maimunah Mohammed Sharif, said“ The UN Habit World City Report estimates that up to 163 million newly poor people now live in cities and urban areas”
She said “if city managers have the right tools they can plan and take action to reduce the gap between the haves and have not , that way we will be able to create inclusive and resilient human settlements”.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGS ) , Dr. Bala.Yusuf-Yunusa said Nigeria is already committed to improving the lives of it’s citizens in many ways
He said “the economic sustainability plan (2020 ) following Covid 19 pandemic , the National poverty reduction with growth strategy of 2021 and indeed the new national development plan 2021 -2025 have all been inspired by the SDGs and the cardinal objectives of this administration notably the economy, security, fight against corruption and lifting Nigerians out of poverty, so Nigeria is committed to improving the lives of the citizens”
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN ) Madu Hamman said “ We have to reflect on the sustaining challenges surrounding the humans settlement and our general environment as a people .”
He said FMBN has established partneserhsip with various stakeholders to be able to deliver affordable housing and better environment for Nigerians
The President of Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Ayuba Philibus Wabba who was represented by Dr Upah Benson said Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN ) should be strenghtend in order to serve people more efficiently and to also increase the capacity of Nigerian builders
Country Director UN – Habitat Urban Thinkers Dr Hajia Limeta underscored the contribution of women in providing sustainability of the environment
.
She said ” No sustainable urbanisation without women agenda “
